Groveland, FL, City Council Meeting
7 April 2025
Gordon Brown (191 words)

Mayor Keogh, council members and staff, thank you for this moment of participation in your meeting.

We begin with gratitude and reflection; we live in a free society where myriad voices and beliefs are respected and even celebrated. And as constituents, we share the responsibility, along with you, to preserve and nurture our diverse communities.

We ask that every stakeholder is given a voice in shaping our community, and that the voiceless will be remembered in our discussions.

We are hopeful that the deliberations you engage in now, and in the future, include a few guiding principles:

Decisions made with evidence and veracity,

Acceptance of those who grow-up, live, and love, differently,

Abiding regard for the diversity and dignity of those who are served,

And keeping to the principles of logic, compassion, and justice.

And finally I leave you with inspiration from Theodore Roosevelt, “Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”